Guatemalan mudslides kill 38; many more feared buried

NAHUALA, Guatemala - Torrential rains from a tropical depression caused landslides that have killed at least 38 people - some of them rescuers trying to save people already buried under a wall of mud.

In the village of Nahuala, about 200 rescue workers suspended the search for bodies Sunday afternoon after heavy rain fell in the area, Civil Protection spokesman David de Leon said.

Two slides in the same spot in Nahuala killed at least 20 northwest of the capital along a highway that leads into Mexico. Another slide closer to Guatemala City killed at least 12.

"We will return when the rain ceases," de Leon said. "It is difficult and dangerous to continue with the search."

Suagustino Pascual Tuy, a Nahuala police officer, said he and several others rushed to the highway with picks and shovels after hearing radio reports of the slide, which had buried two pickup trucks and a bus on the Inter-American Highway.

Pascual Tuy said the crowds were able to rescue several people, including his nephew, who was driving one of the pickups.

"He is in critical condition, but thank God we were able to get him out alive," he said.

Pascual Tuy said people still were digging through the rubble when the mountain above them began crackling. He shouted a warning, but moments later the second slide buried a number of rescuers. Pascual Tuy ran for his life and the mud only reached his legs.

"The mountain was making noise like an earthquake, but people wouldn't leave," he said. "They were being stubborn and didn't get out."

Maj. Otto Mazariegos of the region's fire department said at least 50 people are believed to be buried.

"Under the earth there is a bus that carried we don't know how many people, and there are those who tried to help the victims of the first slide," he said.